Using virtual machines to improve learning and save resources in an introductory IT course

Information technology courses often require the use of software and hardware to support classroom learning. These systems can assist in achieving the learning objectives for a course through classroom problems and laboratory exercises. The procurement and maintenance of these systems can be a challenge even for well resourced organizations. In this paper we discuss how virtual machines can relieve organizations of some of their resource burdens while effectively achieving course learning objectives and provide examples of how that is currently done at the United States Military Academy.